Cat

Tuna & Sardine Pate

General

Ingredients

  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
  • 1 can (3.75 oz) sardines in water, drained
  • 2 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
  • 1 tablespoon plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 1 teaspoon sunflower oil
  • 1/4 cup water or low-sodium fish broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Hard-boil the eggs for 10 minutes, then cool, peel, and set aside.
  2. Drain the tuna and sardines thoroughly, removing as much liquid as possible.
  3. Place the drained tuna and sardines in a medium mixing bowl.
  4. Mash the fish with a fork or potato masher until a smooth paste forms.
  5. Chop or mash the hard-boiled eggs finely and add to the fish mixture.
  6. Add the pumpkin and sunflower oil, mixing thoroughly to combine.
  7. Gradually add water or broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a smooth, spreadable pate consistency.
  8. Stir in the supplement mixture (see supplements section) until evenly distributed.
  9. Portion into daily servings and refrigerate or freeze as needed.

💊 Required Supplements

Per batch (approximately 4 servings): 1/4 teaspoon taurine powder (250mg), 1/8 teaspoon iodized salt (for iodine), 1/2 teaspoon bone meal powder (for calcium, approximately 1000mg calcium), 1/4 teaspoon zinc gluconate powder (5mg zinc), 1/8 teaspoon vitamin E powder (50 IU). Mix all supplements together in a small bowl before adding to the final mixture to ensure even distribution.

Nutritional Analysis

1/4 batch (approximately 3 oz or 85g)
Calories180 kcal
Protein22g (48% DM)
Fat9g (20% DM)
Carbohydrates2g (4% DM)
Fiber0.5g (1% DM)
Moisture68%
Calcium1.1% DM
Phosphorus0.85% DM
Ca:P Ratio1.3:1
DM = Dry Matter basis. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient sourcing and preparation methods.
This recipe provides high-quality animal protein from fish and eggs, with omega-3 fatty acids from sardines supporting skin and coat health. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1.3:1 meets feline requirements. Taurine supplementation is critical as this amino acid is essential for feline cardiac and retinal health and cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities. This recipe is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than typical commercial diets, aligning with feline carnivore physiology. Consult your veterinarian before feeding this recipe exclusively, as individual cats may have specific nutritional needs based on health conditions.

🧊 Safety & Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze individual portions in ice cube trays for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight, never at room temperature. Always serve at room temperature, not cold. Discard any uneaten food after 2 hours at room temperature. Wash hands and all surfaces thoroughly after handling raw eggs and fish. This recipe is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding unless approved by your veterinarian for long-term use.

⚠️ Recipe Drift Warning

Do not substitute tuna with albacore or fresh high-mercury fish varieties, as these may contain unsafe mercury levels for cats. Do not replace sardines with oil-packed varieties, as the added oil may cause digestive upset. Do not omit or reduce the taurine supplement, as cats require dietary taurine and deficiency can cause blindness and heart failure. Do not add onions, garlic, or chives, which are toxic to cats. Do not use pumpkin pie filling, which contains toxic spices and excess sugar. Substituting the calcium source without veterinary guidance can lead to dangerous calcium-to-phosphorus imbalances.

⚕️ Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

♥ Save This Recipe

Save to your favorites and access it anytime.

Get Free Pet Nutrition Tips

Weekly recipes, nutrition guides, and health tips delivered to your inbox.

← Back to All Recipes Customize for My Pet

Share this recipe